Dogwood trees are beloved for their showy spring blooms and attractive foliage. But sometimes these ornamental trees struggle to thrive, showing signs of decline like scant leaf growth, dead branches, spots on leaves or limp flowers.
If your dogwood tree seems to be dying, don’t give up on it yet! With some diligent care and prompt treatment, it’s often possible to nurse a distressed dogwood tree back to health Follow these five steps to revive a dying dogwood tree.
1. Evaluate Symptoms to Identify the Cause
The first step in reviving your ailing dogwood is to closely examine it for symptoms and try to pinpoint the issue causing its decline, Common dogwood tree problems include
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Anthracnose fungus – Causes leaf spots, defoliation, dead twigs. Especially active in cool, wet weather.
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Powdery mildew – Coats leaves and stems with white powdery substance that can lead to leaf curl and drop. Favors high humidity.
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Root rot – Leaves wilt and branches die back. Roots appear blackened or rotten when dug up. Caused by overly wet soil.
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Borers – Leaves sparse or stunted. Wet spots or holes in bark with sawdust-like frass. Tunneling under bark.
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Drought stress – Wilting, scorched leaf edges and dieback. More common in hot, dry weather.
Identifying the cause allows you to tailor your revival methods accordingly. Contact an arborist if you are unsure of the issue.
2. Improve Site Conditions
Dogwoods are understory trees that thrive in partly shady spots with well-draining, acidic soil. Make sure your tree’s placement and growing conditions are optimal:
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Move to a site with morning sun and afternoon shade if excessive sun scorch is an issue.
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Improve drainage by building a berm or planting on a slope if soggy soil is suspected.
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Lower soil pH by mixing in elemental sulfur if needed. Test soil pH annually.
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Ensure a 2-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and add organic matter. Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk.
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Check that tree is getting 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation.
3. Prune Properly
Pruning is vital for reviving diseased or struggling dogwoods. Follow these guidelines:
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Sterilize pruners between cuts with diluted bleach solution to prevent disease spread.
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Remove all dead or dying twigs and branches back to healthy wood.
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Prune in late winter to avoid accidentally removing next spring’s flower buds.
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Disinfect large pruning wounds with tree paint.
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Remove sucker growth sprouting from the rootstock.
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Remove small branches and increase airflow if anthracnose is present.
Take a conservative approach when pruning live wood to avoid unnecessary stress. The goal is to remove dead/diseased parts while keeping healthy stems.
4. Apply Fungicide if Needed
If your dogwood is suffering from a fungal issue like anthracnose, powdery mildew or leaf spot, treatment with a fungicide spray may help curb the problem.
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Apply when buds break open in spring as a preventive measure against anthracnose.
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Repeat applications every 7-14 days following label directions if disease is already active.
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Target leaf undersides thoroughly with spray for best results.
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Switch between fungicide classes to avoid resistance.
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Always follow label safety and application instructions.
Combining fungicide sprays with diligent sanitation pruning offers the best control against fungal diseases impacting dogwoods.
5. Use Insecticides for Pest Problems
Dogwood borers, scales, and other chewing or sucking insects can slowly weaken trees. Insecticidal control options include:
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Covering lower trunk with protective burlap wraps.
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Applying systemic insecticide as a soil drench to poison borers.
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Spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil on foliage to control soft-bodied pests.
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Using light horticultural oil dormant spray for overwintering scales.
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Repeating applications as directed until infestation subsides.
As with fungicides, carefully follow all insecticide label instructions to avoid environmental and personal hazards. Combine with vigilant monitoring and pruning of affected branches for best pest control.
Bonus Tip: Consider Fertilizing
Avoid over-fertilizing dogwood trees, but some supplemental nutrients can help speed recovery in struggling specimens.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring following label rates.
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Top dress annually with compost or aged manure to enrich soil.
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Boost micronutrients by spraying leaves with kelp extract or compost tea.
With prompt diagnosis and a customized treatment plan, you can often nurse sickly dogwood trees back to full health. Pay close attention to their needs, and your efforts will be rewarded with more vigorous growth and glorious blooms in seasons to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reviving Dogwood Trees
How can I tell if my dogwood tree is dying?
Declining dogwood trees show symptoms like small leaves, sparse foliage, dead branches, spotty or curling leaves, early fall color, stunted growth, and lack of vigor or blooms. act quickly at the first signs of trouble.
What is the fastest way to revive a dying dogwood tree?
Improving moisture and pruning out dead wood are two fast ways to help a distressed dogwood. Make sure it gets 1-2 inches of water per week and remove all dead/diseased branches back to healthy wood.
Should you cut back a dying dogwood tree?
Yes, pruning back dead and dying branches can help revive a struggling dogwood. Always sterilize tools between cuts and prune in late winter to avoid removing next year’s flower buds. Take a conservative approach when pruning live wood.
How do I know if my dogwood tree needs fertilizer?
Signs a dogwood may need fertilizer include small leaves, short twig growth, light green foliage, or reduced flowering. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring following label rates if these deficiency symptoms appear.
Is there any hope for a dying dogwood tree?
Often, yes! Even dogwood trees in decline can be nursed back to health with a customized treatment plan addressing the underlying issues impacting their vigor. With prompt care like improved growing conditions, proper pruning, disease management and occasional fertilization, recovery is very possible.